To change your AirDrop name, you’re really changing the name your Apple device (or your contact card) broadcasts when sharing. Here’s the quick breakdown for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

How to change AirDrop name on iPhone

Method 1 – Change device name (works for most situations)

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap About.
  4. Tap Name.
  5. Delete the current name and type the new one you want to show in AirDrop.
  6. Tap Done.

This also changes the device name used for Bluetooth and Personal Hotspot on that iPhone.

Method 2 – If people still see your old name

If someone already has you saved as a contact, your AirDrop name can come from your contact card, not the device name.

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Tap My Card (your own contact).
  3. Tap Edit.
  4. Change the name fields (First/Last/Company) to what you want to show.
  5. Tap Done.

Now, people who have your contact saved will see that updated name when you AirDrop.

How to change AirDrop name on iPad

On iPad, the AirDrop name is the device name:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap About.
  4. Tap Name.
  5. Enter a new name and tap Done.

Your new device name becomes your AirDrop name.

How to change AirDrop name on Mac

On Mac, you rename the computer itself.

  1. Click the Apple menu  at the top left.
  2. Choose System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
  3. Go to General → About.
  4. Click the Name field.
  5. Type the new name; it saves automatically.
  6. If AirDrop doesn’t update right away, restart the Mac.

After this, your Mac will show the new name in the AirDrop list.

If your AirDrop name doesn’t update

If people still see the old name:

  • Toggle radios : Turn Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth off, then back on.
  • Restart the device : iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
  • Ask the other person to refresh : Have them close and reopen the AirDrop picker or Control Center.
  • Check contacts : If they saved you under an old name, that may still appear even after you rename the device.

Tips for choosing a good AirDrop name

Because AirDrop is visible to people nearby, pick something that’s easy to spot but still appropriate.

  • Keep it simple and unique so friends can recognize you quickly.
  • Avoid offensive or too-personal details (full name, phone number, etc.) for privacy, especially in public places.
  • Consider using a professional-style name for work, or a light, fun nickname for home.
  • If you have several Apple devices, use a pattern like “Alex‑iPhone”, “Alex‑MacBook”, “Alex‑iPad” so you know which is which.

Mini story: why this matters now

Picture a crowded office or classroom where half the room is trying to send a file at the same time. You open AirDrop and see four “iPhone” entries and three “MacBook Pro” entries. Not very helpful. The one person who renamed their device to “Jess – Design iPhone” or “Room 204 Mac Mini” gets their files instantly because everyone can tell which target is correct. That tiny tweak to your AirDrop name saves time, avoids awkward mis-sends, and keeps your devices better organized.

TL;DR:

  • iPhone/iPad: Settings → General → About → Name → change it.
  • iPhone contacts case: Edit your own contact card.
  • Mac: Apple menu → System Settings → General → About → Name.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.